NUG, opposition, respond to Myanmar junta chief’s threats

NUG, opposition, respond to Myanmar junta chief’s threats
Min Aung Hlaing (File Photo)

By Pan Pan, Penrose Thitsa

Spokespeople for the Myanmar National Unity Government (NUG) and other opposition players have rebuffed the Myanmar junta leader’s threats made on the 78th Myanmar Armed Forces Day.  

Myanmar's junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said in his speech in Naypyitaw 27 March that the junta would take decisive action against its opponents and ethnic armed organizations supporting them.  

"The terror acts of NUG and its lackey so-called PDFs need to be tackled for good and all," he said, referring to the NUG, a body dominated by ousted legislators working to overturn the military takeover. 

“In accordance with the five work plans established by the government, the Tatmadaw will work seriously to achieve stability and the rule of law throughout the Union for the security of the social and economic life of the people throughout the country. In doing so, I would like to say that we will take decisive action against NUG and terrorist organizations, as well as EAO (Ethnic Armed Organizations) organizations that support them,” the junta leader told the attendees on the Naypyitaw parade ground. 

In response to Min Aung Hlaing’s speech, Nay Phone Latt, spokesperson of NUG Prime Minister’s Office, remarked that despite the junta leader's rhetoric, the junta’s]army is actually losing ground in the ongoing armed conflict. 

“Min Aung Hlaing and a group of his colleagues are the ones guilty of committing treason against the law. If taking action is necessary, we, the legal government, must take action. Now, NUG and ethnic alliances are trying to take action regarding the crimes committed by Min Aung Hlaing and his colleagues, in an international court. NUG is the official government. PDFs are the people’s defense army, while EAOs [ethnic armed organizations] are revolutionary forces that have existed in Myanmar for many years. It is not possible for Min Aung Hlaing to pretend to be legitimate and take action against them,” he told Mizzima. 

He added: “The junta says that it will take action to crush the revolutionary forces, but in fact, its battalions are in a state of collapse.” 

Thura Nagani, battalion commander of Kyaukse District Battalion-1 (Red Dragon Battalion) said that the junta's attempts to use evil spirits will fail and their frantic efforts to satisfy their army indicate their fear. 

“They thought that they would have a cheap victory, but everything they did with evil spirits is already doomed. That’s why he talked frantically because it is sure that their failure will arrive.  He just tried to satisfy his army. They [the junta] are already very scared. They know for sure that they are going to lose. It's an obvious fact that we are not far from success," Thura Nagani told Mizzima. 

NUG President’s Office spokesperson Kyaw Zaw criticized the junta’s threats of violence, and stated that the junta’s actions and promises are not successful.  

“On the Anti-Fascist Resistance Day, the evil said stupid words. His speech was nothing strange. He threatened to kill. He said last year that this year would be a year of peace, but where is the peace now? They threatened the public more and more. So, I would like to say that what they are saying and doing is not successful at all,” he said.  

An activist based in Yangon highlighted that while the junta’s military may have control over larger cities, they are losing power and influence in rural areas where the revolutionary forces remain strong. 

“Only big cities like Yangon and Mandalay are the ones that Min Aung Hlaing’s army can fully control. Everybody knows that the revolutionary forces in rural areas are strong, but Min Aung Hlaing’s army has become weaker than before. Then, they threaten with words,” said the activist.  

However, the junta chief said in his speech that his Tatmadaw [army] is in possession of modern weapons and is working to ensure unity within the army.